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TOPLINE
After 100 days on the outs, English soccer is back with two matches and a plethora of social distancing measures in a bid to keep players and staff safe as the U.K. battles the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Premier League made a comeback to empty stadiums after a 100-day hiatus.
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KEY FACTS
Manchester City played Arsenal and Aston Villa went up against Sheffield United on Wednesday in stadiums empty of fans and limited to a total of 300 players, staff, officials and media in attendance, as clubs follow strict social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Players have been directed to maintain a distance of 6 feet apart when possible, like in dressing rooms, while entering the pitch, during warm-ups and during goal celebrations.
Some players also took a knee Wednesday to signal their support for the Black Lives Matter movement, and wore kits with the phrase emblazoned on the back where their surnames would usually be.
The Premier League’s return follows the resumption of play by leagues in Germany, Spain and Italy.
KEY BACKGROUND
The Premier League suspended matches in mid-March after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for Covid-19. The league is aiming to complete the season by July 26.
Manchester’s Etihad Stadium was deserted Wednesday ahead of the day’s match.
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Manchester City and Arsenal FC faced off Wednesday in front of empty stands.
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal and other players took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter … [+]
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Players’ kits were emblazoned with the phrase “Black Lives Matter” during the first English Premier … [+]
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A Manchester City staffer disinfects a corner flag prior to the Premier League match between … [+]
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The match ball is disinfected prior to kickoff.
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Raheem Sterling of Manchester City scores his team’s first goal under pressure from Shkodran Mustafi … [+]
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Medics wore face masks as they wheeled Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka off the pitch after an injury.
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Villa Park, home stadium of Aston Villa, displayed social distancing guidelines on a giant LED … [+]
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Aston Villa players and staff social distance as they watch Wednesday’s match against Sheffield … [+]
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Members of the Aston Villa medical team wore protective equipment during the match against Sheffield … [+]
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Jack Grealish of Aston Villa runs with the ball during the match between Aston Villa and Sheffield … [+]
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Aston Villa fans watch the match on a tablet as they sit under a gazebo outside the stadium … [+]
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A hand sanitizing station was erected outside Villa Park before Wednesday’s match.
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A member of ground staff disinfects a goal post at half time during the Premier League match between … [+]
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Aston Villa fans at home were displayed on the big screen at full-time after the match.
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